Assynt & The North Coast 500 - 20 Sept
20-30 September 2024
This 9-day/10-night trip includes return journey, from London to Inverness, on the Caledonian Sleeper Train (bed in a single-sex twin room)
Using the famous North Coast 500 driving route as a loose template, we will spend a week hiking and exploring the wild and rugged beauty of the North-West coasts and mountains of Scotland.
With an abundance of wildlife, both in the sea and on land, and unique mountain landscapes this trip promises to be one never to forget!
Mountains! - Of course there will be mountains that we will hike, including the iconic Suilven in Assynt and Ben Hope (the most northerly munro in Scotland!)
Adventure! - 1 day will be allocated to easy scrambling; we will reach the summit of Stac Pollaidh for views of what to expect over the coming days.
Wild Camping! - If the weather is right, we can also spend a couple of days on an adventure in the wilderness, getting away from all that the civilised world offers to sleep under the stars in this designated dark sky area of the UK.
Whilst the specific itinerary won't be known until closer to the date (weather! tsk!), please be assured that this week will involve hiking, scrambling, and wild camping whilst having the comfort and warmth of hotel/bunkhouse/hostel accommodation throughout the entire week!
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. We strive to get the most out of every day based on the weather that we are presented with
Friday (from 9pm) - Depart London on the sleeper train for a relaxing overnight journey to The Scottish Highlands
Saturday - Arriving in Inverness, you will be met by your guide/host and transferred across the country to the rugged west coast. You will stretch your legs on the incredible hill of Stac Pollaidh (612m) before checking in to your accommodation for the next couple of nights.
Sunday - After an early breakfast you will head out to climb your first munros (Scottish mountains) on this incredible journey. Starting in Inchnadamph this will be a long day as you hike up the valley and to the summits of Conival (987m) and Ben More (998m).
You will return to your accommodation for a well earned dinner (and maybe a wee dram of whisky?) before heading to bed.
Monday - A lazy morning after the previous tough day, you will check out of the accommodation and take the scenic drive north to the wonderful port of Lochinver. You will pack your expedition bag and head out on a 2-day/1-night wild camp adventure towards the iconic mountain of Suilven (if the weather allows, maybe you'll camp on the summit!?)
Tuesday - Packing away the tent you will continue on your circuit over/off Suilven (731m) towards the coast and back to Lochinver for showers and dinner.
Wednesday - This will be a rest day as you meander north through the stunning, windy roads of Sutherland. You will take regular breaks to stretch the legs and to take plenty of photos.
Stopping at mountain passes and beaches of pristine white sands, this may be a rest day for your body, but it's a sensory overload for your mind!
Thursday - Donning your hiking boots yet again, you will hike your third munro of the trip. Ben Hope (927m) is the most northerly munro in Scotland and, on a clear day, has views of the entire north coast!
At the end of the day you will check in to your accommodation set on the far north coast, where the river meet the sea.
Friday - An early start will see you head slightly inland to "The Queen of Scottish Mountains": Ben Loyal (764m). Rising in an isolated position above the north coast, the long ridge offers superb views of bog, moor, mountains and sea.
At the end of the day you will relocate to [relative] civilisation of Thurso, where you will base yourself for the final two nights on this wonderful journey.
Saturday - This is another rest day after two big days of walking. You will be driven along the north coast to John O'Groats, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland.
You will explore the coves and beaches in the area (and, of course, get a photo of that iconic sign) before returning to Thurso for the final night.
Sunday - You will check out of the accommodation before heading south back to Inverness. Of course you will stop en route to hike one last mountain!
The forth and final munro on this trip will be Ben Klibreck (962m). This vast rolling mountain is the perfect finale to the week-long adventure.
After the hike you will be transported to Inverness for your relaxing overnight sleeper train back to London (the twin rooms for this return journey will include en suite toilets and showers, so you can freshen up after a day on the hills).
Monday - Arriving in London at 8am you will be to start work after an invigorating week in the Northern Highlands
